SearchSection:Blog
SearchAuthor:Maggie Horzempa
SearchCategory:Blog
SearchState:North Carolina
SearchInitiative:Law Enforcement
SearchInitiative:Victims
During a press conference on April 21, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced his recommended budget for 2026 – 2027 and had a clear message on public safety: people want to feel safe, and the state has to be willing to invest in the systems that make that possible. In his remarks, he focused on the current gaps in North Carolina’s system: too many vacancies, too much strain on existing officers, growing behavioral health needs, and the ongoing toll of addiction and fentanyl.
The main focus of his public safety messaging was staffing concerns. Stein noted that when there are too many vacancies in law enforcement, other officers have to carry a heavier load and cannot cover as much territory. That set up his suggested budget item to increase pay for state law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and youth counselors, along with hiring bonuses meant to bring in new officers and attract transfers from out of state. The budget materials also specify that the proposal includes a 5 percent pay raise for law enforcement, correctional officers, nurses, and health technicians, along with bonuses for Basic Law Enforcement Training graduates and out-of-state transfers.
Governor Stein also talked about making sure law enforcement has the tools it needs to keep North Carolinians safe. In the press conference, he specifically mentioned body cameras and Viper communications equipment. He tied that broader public safety message to school safety as well, pointing to behavioral threat assessments and more funding for school resource officers.
He also touched on the lack of behavioral health resources in the state. Stein described several of these proposals as upstream investments, the kind meant to address problems before they spiral into something worse. He called for opening two more behavioral health units in state psychiatric hospitals, which he said could add as many as 48 beds. He also called for 50 new co-responder teams, specifically in rural counties, so law enforcement has more support when responding to people in crisis. The budget materials also point to investments in the behavioral health workforce.
In addition, he tied public safety to addiction, corrections, and reentry. The governor said the budget includes treatment for opioid use disorder in correctional facilities so people can get help before returning to their communities. He also highlighted a juvenile justice residential crisis unit for young people experiencing mental health crises and a fentanyl control unit made up of law enforcement and prosecutors to investigate and stop the flow of fentanyl into North Carolina. The budget release likewise identifies expanded medication for opioid use disorder in correctional institutions, support for people reentering communities after incarceration, and the creation of a Fentanyl Control Unit.
Overall, Governor Stein’s budget items concerning public safety was centered on capacity: more officers, better support, better tools, more behavioral health infrastructure, and more intervention before situations get worse. After almost two and a half years without a budget, North Carolinians are clear on where their Governor stands. The greatest takeaway is that these are not partisan ideals—but practical, results-driven solutions that leaders on both sides should be willing to discuss in pursuit of safer communities.